Ashwin spins India to an innings win

R Ashwin\'s 12-wicket match haul helped India beat New Zealand by an innings and 115 runs in the first Test and take 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Hyderabad: R Ashwin's 12 wicket-haul helped India humble New Zealand by an innings and 115 runs in Hyderabad on Sunday to win the first Test and take 1-0 lead in their two-match Test series. Ashwin took 6 for 54 in the second innings after his 6 for 31 in the first, as the visitors were dismissed for just 164. Ashwins' fellow spinner, left-armer Pragyan Ojha, finished with figures of 3 for 48.

Following on, Kruger van Wyk and Doug Bracewell took New Zealand's second innings score to 146 for 6 at tea on the penultimate day. But Ashwin and Ojha continued with their magical spell after tea as they claimed the last four Kiwi wickets in the span of 6.5 overs to power India to a crushing victory.

India had a frustrating first session as the overnight duo of Brendon McCullum (42) and Kane Williamson (52) put up a brave front after resuming at 44 for 1, following on in the second innings.

But after Umesh Yadav (1 for 32) broke the 72-run second wicket partnership, New Zealand lost their remaining nine wickets in 34.4 overs with more than a day left for the match. This was also India's first Test win in nine months following a 0-4 thrashing at the hands of Australia.

India got their first breakthrough of the day after lunch, thanks to a poor decision by Steve Davis ruled McCullum out. McCullum got an inside edge before the ball hit the pads but umpire Davis ruled the batsman out.

Ross Taylor's poor form continued as he came to the middle for a short time. He left Ashwin's delivery alone on a turning pitch and found his off stump unsettled. Kane Williamson and Daniel Flynn consolidated and put on a partnership of 33 runs but Williamson edged Ojha to Sehwag at slip for 52.

Ashwin took two wickets in two overs in the form of Flynn and James Franklin as with spin at both ends, it was just a matter of time for the Indians to take an unassailable 1-0 lead. Sehwag took a diving catch at first slip to dismiss Franklin off Ashwin.

Ashwin was simply unplayable as the Indian offspinner completed his 10-wicket haul in the match with the wicket of of van Wyk.

Earlier, India began day-4 proceedings straight away with the spin duo of Ojha and Ashwin, but there was little assistance in the morning as the Kiwi batsmen played them out sensibly.

India and New Zealand will now travel to Bangalore for the second Test.